X5 e70 Aircon nightmare help needed

[H4MP]

Originally Aircon wasn't working so regassed still didn't work. Was told it is compressor so has this changed with a 2nd hand one. Worked for 5 days blowing ice cold and then suddenly no cold air. The compressor clutch was engaging. So went to another specialist they made me change pressure sensor. Still did not work. Eventually was told compressor has internally failed so purchase a new Hella one. Changed compressor and fitted drier also today but still not blowing cold the clutch is engaging. Only other thing is the radiator fan does not kick in. If anyone can please help literally pulling hair out with this problem and I've spent over £1000 still no Aircon

[H4MP]

If that didn't make sense basically I've changed the compressor twice, there are no leaks. The clutch is engaging however no change in pressure on gas gauge. Also the aux or engine fan does not work. Really confused as I've had compressor and drier changed including pressure sensor

[nigeyboy]

Have you changed the “hedgehog?”

It’s the final stage resistor. Up behind the dash. I’ve had 2 fail, one in the E70 & one on an E53. The air con has a mind of its own when they’re faulty. Common fault on BMW & new cars.

About £50 if IIRC.

Nige.

[H4MP]

Where is the final stage resistor located? Also do you think it could be the expansion valve stuck open?

[H4MP]

The blowers still work. The compressor engages it's brand new but no change in pressure. Also the fan is not working there is plenty of gas. Could it be expansion valve stuck open. No cold air whatsoever no change In gas pressure on the low pressure side

[quote="nigeyboy"]
Have you changed the “hedgehog?”

It’s the final stage resistor. Up behind the dash. I’ve had 2 fail, one in the E70 & one on an E53. The air con has a mind of its own when they’re faulty. Common fault on BMW & new cars.

About £50 if IIRC.

Nige.
[/quote]

[nigeyboy]

https://youtu.be/7_D-Ki_Kk2k

I can’t remember exactly but I think you get to it from the drivers side. It’s a pig to get to - fastened on the fan or something. Looking up from the footwell with a torch you can just see it & reach it.

It looks like this.

[H4MP]

Thanks nigey only think is my heating and fans work fine just not getting cold air

[nigeyboy]

[quote="H4MP"]
Thanks nigey only think is my heating and fans work fine just not getting cold air
[/quote]


Google BMW Final Stage Resistor mate. Honestly if it’s faulty they play havoc with everything for no reason.

I had it on my 4.6is, easy to get at. On the E70 4.8is it was a pig of a job. I even changed one in my sons Megan’s Scenic & that was worse than those 2 put together.

Every time it fixed it.

[H4MP]

How common or rare is it for expansion valve. Thanks nigeyboy. The problem I'm getting is the compressor is kicking in but no increase in pressure on guage. I will see to the final state resistor would this show up on a diagnostic machine

[H4MP]

X5 SPORT your help will be appreciated.

[henrym3]

I had a similar problem, not on an X5 but compressor kicked in, assured there was no leaks, so put some dye in and this showed up a minute leak on the compressor. Once pressure dropped on low side to under 20psi there was no cold air but still enough pressure to give the impression everything was working fine
You can see the tiny leak, small enough to let 15/20psi out and then hold the remaining pressure in which was enough to get the compressor to kick in.

[H4MP]

Yea it can't be that I've fitted 2nd compressor. First a uses part it's more and more looking like an expansion valve stuck open as the compressor is engaging there are no leaks. Only thing is fan doesn't work so I'm having a new fan fitted. Bloody expensive part though £580 plus vat.

[kanewesley]

>:(...Having same problem here too with my X5 E53.

Had mine to 4 x different places, had 2 compressors, 2 x fans, been regasssed 3 times, still no bl***y aircon  >:(

It's now with a german car specialist who's had it 6 days all told and STILL no aircon !

Why oh why can no one fix it????

Ultimate Driving Machine my A**e

[H4MP]

Mine had had two compressors, pressure sensor, regas 3 times, eventually it worked after git told possible wiring fault it was working and mechanic said I needed a new belt from pully to compressor. After fitting new built worked for short while and then blowing warm air showing these faults

[henrym3]

Had to ask, when your first compressor failed, was the system properly cleaned out, not just gas removed but properly cleaned which involves the removal of some pipes to get rid of the potential debris of the compressor that failed,  which is normally the reason the second compressor fails and the third. If compressor fails was a new dryer fitted each time.